Some of you may remember the thread i had a few moths ago about this pup. He was injured at 2 weeks old, almost lost him. Then, i was up in the air if I was going to keep'em. Well I kept him and he is now 6 months old and he is an awesome dog! <BR> <BR>The pics start from when he was younger to now at 6 months. Here he is... <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770662.jpg" alt="Upload"><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770663.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770664.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770665.jpg" alt="Upload"><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770666.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770667.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770668.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770669.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770670.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770671.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770672.jpg" alt="Upload"><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770673.jpg" alt="Upload"><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770674.jpg" alt="Upload">

wakeboardsam

01-24-2010 3:14 PM

That's just wrong... Someone should chop your ears off!! No reason exists to do that, none! The dog now looks aggressive to other dogs. How stupid!

peter_c

01-24-2010 3:24 PM

Isn't that the dog where the mother Pit Bull bit her own baby on the head, over food issues, almost killing it? <BR> <BR>Sam, the dog will not "look" anymore aggressive towards other dogs, but it sure looks more aggressive to people with the ears up!

dakid

01-24-2010 3:30 PM

why?

downfortheride

01-24-2010 3:30 PM

Great looking puppy!

dav51lin

01-24-2010 3:32 PM

wtf chop their ears off why? you should be charged with cruelty to animals.Why deform the dog? <BR> <BR>(Message edited by dav51lin on January 24, 2010)

wakeboardsam

01-24-2010 4:04 PM

Studies have shown that chopping off the ears and mutilating them DOES make the dog seem to be in a state of readiness for an aggressive move to other dogs. I would love to chop off the ears of the owner Australian Chopper style..

peter_c

01-24-2010 4:31 PM

I could be wrong Sam but a little research says different. Horses always pin their ears back when they are aggressive or about to bite. <BR> <BR>"Aggressive <BR>An aggressive dog goes far beyond dominant. All feet are firmly planted on the ground in a territorial manner, and she may lunge forward. Her ears are pinned back, head is straight ahead, eyes are narrowed but piercing, tail is straight and full. She bears her teeth, snaps her jaw and growls or barks threateningly. The hairs along her back stand on edge." <BR> <BR>"Playful <BR>A playful dog is happy and excited. Her ears are up, eyes are bright, and tail wags rapidly. She may jump and run around with glee." <BR> <BR><a href="http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/tp/dogbodylanguage.htm" target="_blank">http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/tp/dogbodylanguage.htm</a> <BR> <BR>Edit: FWIW my dog has a docked tail. Very common with Brittany's. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by peter_c on January 24, 2010)

wakeboardsam

01-24-2010 4:46 PM

Docked tails have purpose, at least on some dogs, However ears do not. <BR> <BR>Plastic surgery for dogs is stupid.

greatdane

01-24-2010 4:55 PM

I so preferred the puppy with those cute ears.

wakeboardsam

01-24-2010 5:26 PM

If you can't see that the dog is in pain and/or discomfort in those pictures you are an idiot? Why was it done? The vanity of the owner. The pros and cons of cropping has been argued on the Internet over and over, but that dog is not happy in those pictures. In Europe it is considered cruel and is illegal in many, many countries. This does nothing for the pit bull except to continue to contribute to the "fighting" image and history of the breed. I have a black lab, Great Dane, and a Doberman and they are all natural. I won't intentionally harm my dogs.

dirt

01-24-2010 5:33 PM

Peter, it is the same pup. <BR> <BR>You are all welcome to your opinions on ear cropping. Im not going to say derogatory things about those of you who are against it. I simply did it because it's the look i prefer. I do not like the way pit bulls look with floppy ears when they are full grown. If that makes me a horrible person than so be it. To be honest, he never even seemed bothered by his ears. I picked him up from the vet and he was as rambunctious as ever, if not more. He even enjoyed it when i massaged them. He never scratched at them or nothing, it was a pretty easy process. <BR> <BR>I personally do not see how the ears make them look more aggressive. When a dogs teeth are showing and he is growling, that to me is aggressive and scary, no matter what kind of dog it is. The last thing I'm worried about is the dogs ears. <BR> <BR> My dog is very socialized, he frequents the dog parks and is great with my sons, friends... with everyone. He is very well received at the dog parks by other dog owners. In fact, the worst dogs I have experienced at the dog parks are Boxers and Labradors. All the pit bulls/pit mixes are all happy and playful, even when charged up by the other more aggressive dogs they seem to want to avoid confrontation by laying on their backs. <BR> <BR>I take him everywhere I can that dogs are allowed. Flea Markets, charity walks, the up coming St. Patty's Day parade.. etc. and I have opened a lot of peoples eyes and let them see first hand that pit bulls can be great dogs, even dogs than can be in public. My wife and I take great pride in doing what we can to change the perception people have. <BR> <BR>You know for a hard headed pit bull he is pretty damn smart. He does all his tricks on command, he impresses a lot of my friends with the stuff he does. I don't know if they are impressed with the dog or the fact that I was able to train him haha! either way its cool with me.

greatdane

01-24-2010 6:16 PM

BTW, I am 100% in favor of keeping tail docking legal. Our pup's tail was chopped at 5 days of age. I don't think she was abused in the least. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770705.jpg" alt="1"> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by greatdane on January 24, 2010)

dirt

01-24-2010 6:43 PM

you're funny Sam, I could stoop to your level and go back and forth with you but I'm going to leave it alone, you're just not worth it patna.

greatdane

01-24-2010 6:51 PM

Dirt, I got to give you credit. Your ability to take crap on the internet and not take it the dark side is amazing.

mofreestyle

01-24-2010 7:28 PM

Sam, ok we get it Dirt is an idiot that hurt his dog on purpose so his dog would look cool. How much more repetitive can we get on one topic. <BR> <BR>Dirt, after we've heard the initial story about your pup I'm very happy that all is well. Have fun with him cause he looks like a great dog.

deuce

01-24-2010 8:42 PM

<b>Dirt</b>... For what it is worth, I have no issue with you doing the ears. Did it on my first dog, a Doberman, but didn't on my second, a Boxer. <BR> <BR>Felt like a Boxer looked as good without a crop, as with. <BR> <BR>When I get another dog, a Doberman is at the front of the list at present. If I get another Doberman, I will have his ears cropped.

deuce

01-24-2010 8:46 PM

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p> By Dirt (dirt) on Sunday, January 24, 2010 - 5:33 pm: <BR> <BR>To be honest, he never even seemed bothered by his ears. <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR>I agree.... When I picked up Drexler.....he didn't appear to have any issues with his ears.... The cup on his head was another story.....but pain appeared to be a non issue.

greatdane

01-24-2010 9:07 PM

I actually don't have a problem with the augmentation provided it looks good. In the case of a doberman, I think the standing ears look great. In the case of these pits, I think the hacked ears look awful.

dlamont

01-24-2010 11:33 PM

aggressive owners make aggressive dogs, not cropped ears.

peter_c

01-25-2010 1:15 AM

Well then this dogs owner has proven to be aggressive since the mother Pit attacked her own baby over food. That is a training issue, although it is breed into them, and could have easily been a small child near the food bowl or a bone. YIKES! <BR> <BR>I am glad Pit Bull breeding is banned where I live, and all male Pit's must be fixed. There I said it!

dirt

01-25-2010 5:03 AM

thanks guys! Yeah the reason I posted again was to show how well he turned out. I went through a rough decision period. I almost kept his brother, but I couldn't let him go. We had been through to much and Im glad because he is great. <BR> <BR>As far as the mom goes, I really dont think she bit to kill. If that were the case the pup would of died. Maybe more a, she doesn't know her own strength, type of scenario when she tried to correct him. The mom is a great well natured dog and that incident was very unfortunate. I thought she did very well for her first(and only)litter. She has since been fixed. The breeding process is a whip! Pretty sure I will never do that again. <BR> <BR>I am 99% sure all the pups are doing well. I did my absolute best to make sure they went to a loving home and not some ones back yard. <BR> <BR>Drexler, thats a cool name. Gangster on True Romance..Right.?

ripr

01-25-2010 7:11 AM

Fantastic looking dog, Dirt. The vet did a great job on the crop too, not too tight, not too long, just right. Great coat and good musculature, that dog is gonna be a looker if you keep him trim and in shape. <BR> <BR>I'm more partial to natural ears on PB's, but again, it's personal preference. <BR> <BR>I think it says alot for you to post pictures of your dog, knowing you're going to take heat because of his breed. Kudos. <BR> <BR>There are alot of dog lovers on here, I just can't get over how many of them like to blast another because of their breed of choice, or because they docked a tail, or cropped ears, or use there dog for legal sport...we've had TONS of pitbull discussions on here and they never turn out well unfortunately.. <BR> <BR>And who in the hell said that studies show that ear cropping creates a constant state of aggressiveness in a dog...did I really read that correctly? Where is this study? By far the most rediculous thing I've read in a Pit Bull discussion...

pnichols

01-25-2010 7:15 AM

<b>If you can't see that the dog is in pain and/or discomfort in those pictures you are an idiot?</b> <BR> <BR>I must be an idiot.

wakeboardsam

01-25-2010 7:53 AM

<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770773.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>Yup, the dog looks really happy... <BR> <BR>BTW to quote something you type \quote {whatever you are quoting} <--- remove the space between the \quote and the { <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.holytaco.com/25-hardcore-pets" target="_blank">I would shoot the owners...</a> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770774.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>People are just stupid

steezyshots

01-25-2010 8:11 AM

Ears actually do serve a purpose too, having them folded over helps avoid contamination and infection. But who cares, it's just a dog...

deuce

01-25-2010 8:27 AM

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p>By Dirt (dirt) on Monday, January 25, 2010 - 5:03 am: <BR> <BR>Drexler, thats a cool name. Gangster on True Romance..Right.? <!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR>Actually Clyde the Glide....<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR> <BR>Come on <b>Riley</b>, internet name calling? I think we could probably have a conversation without resorting to school yard antics. If you don't like the practice, say that.... But to call someone names over the internet is boorish...

fullonsalesgrp

01-25-2010 8:31 AM

Thats a great looking dog, I always said if I got another mans dog I would get a grey with pink eyes. You sir did a comendable thing by rescuing a dog in need. I have done the same thing with several Dobes and we alwasy caught chit for the ears. I give you a big pat on the back.

And Sam, ear cropping can only be done in the first few months. Because if you wait till they develop further, it is too painful for the animal. <BR> <BR>Sam, circumcision hurts. As a society, should we stop doing that too????

denverd1

01-25-2010 8:38 AM

Dirt, glad you kept him?

greatdane

01-25-2010 8:39 AM

Thats a good looking pooch Nacho.

jpod

01-25-2010 8:40 AM

I agree 100 percent with you riley. Not just the ear cropping but the breeding pits in the first place. There's only thousands in the shelter because of over breeding. Its obvious your not a responsible dog owner.

ripr

01-25-2010 8:44 AM

Breed standard for an AKC American Staffordshire Terrier (UKC American Pit Bull Terrier) still prefers the ears cropped. Until that's changed, many will still do it. <BR> <BR>Granted there is the faction that does it because it 'looks tough'...but those people have bigger issues. <BR> <BR>Very true Nacho, different strokes for different folks. But I would hope you wouldn't crop ears on your pooch. Cute dog, but with all due respect, its hard to tell he's an APBT or AmStaff from that picture. Mastiff/pitbull mix? American bulldog mix maybe? Good looking regardless...

denverd1

01-25-2010 8:44 AM

you too GD. I've always liked your V's.

lizzyb

01-25-2010 9:11 AM

Dirt - I've got to at least give you props for having the courage to post pictures of the ear cropping, after the heat you took with the first thread. <BR> <BR>I don't see any reason to ever crop ears or to intentionally mutilate your dog. However, it is all personal preference and you have the right to do it if you wish. <BR> <BR>Maybe it's silly, but I would intentionally walk my dogs the other direction if I saw you coming at the dog park. <BR> <BR>I'm glad the dog is healthy and happy. Aside from the ears.. he looks great. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/proud.gif" border=0>

aarond0083

01-25-2010 10:05 AM

Good looking pup and nice story. Nothing wrong with ear crops if it is done correctly by an experienced vet. I prefer Pits with natural ears, btw. <BR> <BR>Both of my Great Danes have cropped ears and neither of them went through any noticeable pain or suffering involved with the surgery. The neutering surgery was actually worse on them but you never see people complaining about that. Also with Danes, the crop helps with preventing ear infections and hematomas. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by aarond0083 on January 25, 2010)

sordave

01-25-2010 10:48 AM

It does not appear in the pictures that the dog is in pain, but I too prefer the natural ears. That being said, dogs do feel pain including removing dew claws and docking tails. We breed Miniature Australian Shepherds and dock the tails per breed standards. I hate it because even with a shot of local anesthetic which makes the tail go completely limp, the 3 day old puppies still feel it and are whiney for 24 hours. They do get over it, but they are uncomfortable for a day. <BR> <BR>I am glad that you did a good job placing your puppies with responsible owners. Hopefully you keep in contact with the new owners and provide any help needed such as training advise and re-homing if necessary.

pierce_bronkite

01-25-2010 11:25 AM

Must be winter around here. <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/rofl.gif" border=0>

downfortheride

01-25-2010 11:39 AM

GD ~~ What a great pic of your V! Mine is 8 and I don't hunt but I'm going to start and take him to the fields to play a little. He crazy hunts the birds in the back yard and I know he would love to run a field and play with the birds. Here's a pic of my V doing work on the birds in his dreams, <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/biggrin.gif" border=0> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770815.jpg" alt="Upload">

bullylove

01-25-2010 2:15 PM

well, <BR> everyone is entitled to their own opinion however the pit came with those ears and your personal preference should have nothing to do with what the dog looks like, maybe you should have gotten a cat instead, their ears stick right up. the dog looked much better before and wouldnt have had to go through something that only benefitted you.

fatsac

01-25-2010 2:23 PM

The tat cat will haunt my dreams.

wakeboardsam

01-25-2010 2:40 PM

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p>By fatsac (fatsac) on Monday, January 25, 2010 - 2:23 pm: <BR>The tat cat will haunt my dreams.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR>Did you see all the others? How screwed up do you have to be to do that to a pig? <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.holytaco.com/25-hardcore-pets" target="_blank">WOW!!</a> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770854.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770855.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/4387/770856.jpg" alt="Upload">

denverd1

01-25-2010 2:59 PM

No cropping for my dog. He's almost 4 and here in Texas, ear cropping a pit bull has very little to do with breed standards...

jerasu98

01-26-2010 4:22 AM

I was talking with a tattoo artist a while back, asking him how to get into the profession. He said practice on friends. But the next best thing to human skin was pig skin. I just assumed he meant a dead pig.